Analyzing Kamala Harris' Challenges Post-Debate

In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's debatably weak debate performance on Thursday, there was a noticeable absence of Vice President Kamala Harris's name in crisis conversations among Democrats.

Echoes of high-profile Democrats such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as potential alternatives to Biden began to circulate online. Yet, Harris, seemingly the most logical and well-prepared candidate, was tasked with publicly endorsing Biden at their political union's most challenging moment.

Her conspicuous absence in talks of potential replacements incited dismay in some Harris supporters. Privately, they lamented her name not being recognized alongside other ambitious Democrats, regardless of Harris's obligations to stand by Biden.

Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo contended there wasn't any external move Harris could wisely make, with her optimal strategy being to excel in her role as Vice President.

Harris had to promote unity almost immediately after the debate via scheduled post-debate interviews with CNN and MSNBC. Noticing Biden's crumble, Harris and her staff acknowledged her reaction would be under intense scrutiny.

According to anonymous aides, Harris insisted to her team that they forgo downplaying Biden's dismal performance. Instead, she emphasized projecting leadership within the party and acknowledging the debate's shortcomings.

One senior Harris aide reported she wanted to acknowledge the situation collectively perceived. Harris intended to make Trump her target and, more importantly, deflect the conversation from the debate to Biden's accomplishments.

At a Friday campaign rally, Harris addressed Biden's less-than-ideal performance and proceeded to condemn former President Donald Trump for his misleading statements made during the debate.

Harris advocated for Biden amid frustrations from allies about the overlooking of Harris as a potential replacement, not just a proxy. The first Black and South Asian vice-presidential woman's plight was ignored for white representatives such as Newsom, Whitmer, and Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

One veteran Democrat and Harris ally argued this incessant disregard was offensive, implying a racial preference within the Democratic Party. Another warned about the repercussions if skeptics target an effective and qualified Black woman vice president.

Despite this resentment, it's unlikely to urge a change at the top. They're aware that entertaining the idea of Biden stepping down could incite a competitive frenzy. Hence, while other ambitious Democrats are considered as substitutes, Harris and her team cannot argue her case without adversely affecting Biden.

Trujillo highlighted that any public move by Harris could give journalists ammunition for criticism. He advises Harris to ignore any critical messages.

Moreover, Harris's significant advantage lies in practicality. In the event of Biden's retirement, it would be challenging to bypass Harris due to her direct access to the resources of the existing campaign. Other candidates would need to develop a campaign infrastructure in a limited period.

Jamal Simmons, a veteran Democratic operative and former Harris communications director, also remarked on the difficulty of transitioning successfully from a smaller to a larger political stage.

Harris's allies believe that despite questionable polling performances, she still commands the highest recognition among potential Biden replacements. Recent polls showed that 41 percent of Democratic voters chose Harris as a hypothetical 2028 nominee, a significant lead over other contenders.

Harris's team believes that she has fortified her political profile and become more proficient and confident. They also underscore the potential downside of replacing Harris, who represents a minority group, with another candidate, which could offend a key demographic in the Democratic base.

However, the Democratic rank-and-file scrutinizes her due to her low polling figures and deem other less-known Governors as preferable candidates.

A House Democrat emphasized the importance of not only being a competent president but also a quality candidate, as the party has to win the election. It was also stated that no plan exists for Harris to go on a Biden defense tour and she would focus on fundraising.

This proves to be a careful balance she will likely be maintaining for a while, possibly up to the late-August convention, reflecting on the debate's aftermath. If she did not defend Biden, it might send the wrong message.

One Democrat close to the White House stressed the importance of having diverse voices and faces in these discussions despite the need for Harris's support.

In conclusion, following the recent Democratic debate, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself balancing her role of backing Biden while maintaining her political stature. Despite the lack of her name in the potential replacements' conversation and facing scrutiny due to poor polling figures, she remains steadfast in her defense of Biden's record, showing both loyalty and leadership. Amidst whispers of potential replacements, Harris's strategic focus on funding campaigns and her reputation among Democratic voters continue to make her a likely contender for future leadership. However, the party's perception and the handling of these ramifications post-debate could significantly shape her political destiny.

Sanya Singh